The Intelligent Gardener: Growing Nutrient-Dense Food

Description

Vegetables, fruits, and grains are a major source of vital nutrients, but centuries of intensive agriculture have depleted our soils to historic lows. As a result, the broccoli you consume today may have less than half of the vitamins and minerals that the equivalent serving would have contained a hundred years ago. This is a matter for serious concern, since poor nutrition has been linked to myriad health problems including cancer, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. For optimum health we must increase the nutrient density of our foods to the levels enjoyed by previous generations. To grow produce of the highest nutritional quality the essential minerals lacking in our soil must be replaced, but this re-mineralization calls for far more attention to detail than the simple addition of composted manure or NPK fertilizers. The Intelligent Gardener demystifies the process while simultaneously debunking much of the false and misleading information perpetuated by both the conventional and organic agricultural movements. In doing so, it conclusively establishes the link between healthy soil, healthy food, and healthy people. This practical step-by-step guide and the accompanying customizable web-based spreadsheets go beyond organic and are essential tools for any serious gardener who cares about the quality of the produce they grow. Steve Solomon is the author of several landmark gardening books including Gardening When it Counts and Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades. The founder of the Territorial Seed Company, he has been growing most of his family's food for over thirty-five years. Review: Go Beyond Organic - Steve Solomon's newest book, the Intelligent Gardener, will change the way you garden. His no-nonsense, ultra-practical approach will put food on the table that will nourish people as opposed to just filling their bellies. Utilizing soil tests he thoroughly explains how to interpret your own soil test and remedy soil deficiencies (or excesses). He covers a lot of ground in this book and is not afraid to go into detail or leave orthodoxy behind in the quest to grow nutrient - dense foods. This book really explains some highly technical topics in a manner that any home gardener can use effectively to increase the health benefits, and flavor of your vegetable garden. His decades of gardening experience and attention to science have produced one of the best gardening books ever. Take your vegetable garden beyond organic and start growing some real food. Along with one of his previous titles, 'Gardening When It Counts', now there are two of his books that I keep on my handiest bookshelf. Review: Must Read - Awesome books by an experienced gardener. I'm grateful to the author for sharing his rich experience in this book. Must Read for gardners, farmers.